Spate Of Burglaries In Southsea

People living in Southsea are being reminded to make sure their houses are secure at night after a number of burglaries.

In the space of 2 weeks, there have been 11 break-ins, mainly between 2am and 4am.

Thieves get in via unlocked doors or windows, or by forcing a door open. Once inside they take cash and electrical items, such as laptops, games consoles and ipods, often carrying them off in backpacks.

Roads that have been targeted include East Shore Way, Festing Grove, Grayshott Road, and Fontwell Road.

Superintendent Norman Mellors, said: “In the year from 2008 to 2009 there were 1427 dwelling burglaries in Portsmouth. Last year there were 947. This represents some excellent work by residents to improve their security and report suspicious

people. Community Safety Partners have also assisted with improvements to CCTV systems and lighting, whilst court results show that local officers are catching and convicting more offenders.

“Although burglary to date this year is slightly less than last year I am concerned that a significant number of burglaries that are still occurring, are happening at premises where doors and windows have been left open or insecure.

“I am urging residents to protect their homes by making sure doors and windows are locked, and valuable items are not left on display, tempting the opportunistic burglar. We are also working with new students who have recently moved to the city to advise them of how to protect their property.”